Japan, Imperial. A Kurogane Type 95 Car Star Insignia , C. 1940

A circular plate constructed of blackened magnetic metal. The obverse centre bears a raised, five-pointed gilded star constructed of magnetic metal. The reverse is plain and bears a centred screw back with a bolt. Bearing a white label (applied post-war) reading “Gift of MAJ. A Duncanson Jap. Command Burma Car Insignia 1945” and marked below “RCMI 1986.16.1”. Measuring 140 mm. A very rare and unique piece, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Kurogane Type 95 was a Japanese scout car built by the company Tokyu Kurogane Industries from 1936 to 1944. The car was the only reconnaissance car completely Japanese designed that the Japan army utilized for war; typically, the Japanese army used civilian cars. These cars were used for the war with China and the Second World War and approximately 4700 were manufactured. The Kurogane Type 95 was the first four-wheel drive passenger vehicle placed into mass production, surpassing the GAZ-61 (1938), the Daimler Dingo (1940), the Wills MB (1941) and the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen (1942). There are only four examples of this vehicle remaining in the world.

Provenance Footnote: Deaccessioned from the Museum Collection of the Royal Canadian Military Institute.